Varane announced his retirement from France at the age of 29

2023-02-03 09:21

Varane announced his retirement from France at the age of 29


Following Lloris and Mandanda, the 29-year-old Raphael Varane also retired from the French team.


Raphael Varane plays as a central defender and currently plays for Manchester United in the Premier League. He is one of the members of the 2018 World Cup champions, and is also a main force of the French in the 2014, 2022 World Cup and the 2020 European Cup.


Since March 2013, Varane has played 93 times for Les Bleus, scoring 5 goals and sending 1 assist.


farewell statement

Varane announced his withdrawal from the national team in a statement on Thursday, bringing to an end a 10-year Les Bleus career. He first wrote: "Representing our great motherland for 10 years is one of the greatest honors in my life. Every time I wear a special blue jersey, I feel extremely proud."


"My duty is to give everything, to play with my heart, to win every game. I thought about it for months and I think now is the right time for me to retire from the national team."


Looking back, Varane is still thrilled by his 2018 World Cup triumph. He said in the letter: "I still remember when I was a child, I followed the 1998 world champion France team. They made us experience indescribable emotions."


"I dreamed of doing what the national heroes did. After 20 years, I am having one of the best experiences of my life and it makes me so proud. We brought home the trophy!! I will never forget it. I still feel every emotion I had on July 15, 2018. It was one of the greatest and most memorable moments of my life."


Later, Varane thanked Deschamps, staff, teammates and fans: "Without the support of Didier Deschamps, without the support of relevant staff over the years, without defending us in any game There is no way we can win together without the support of our teammates in the jersey."


"But more importantly, we wouldn't have been able to make it to the final without the support of each and every one of you along the way," he added.


"Your enthusiasm, the celebrations and memories of our return to France will always be etched in my mind."


"Even though we lost in last year's finals, you welcomed us back like heroes. Thank you so much to all of you!"


"I will definitely miss those moments with you guys, but it's time for a new generation to take over. We have a group of talented young players who are ready. They deserve their chance and they need you."